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We have two more exams to go before the end of the school year. The school whatsapp group is buzzing with notes exchanges and exam paper doubt clarifications between mothers. We have a study holiday in between. Afternoon I was scrolling through SPI cinema to see which movies I’d watch next week after the final exam. I can’t wait. I need to watch a movie to mark the successful completion of the school year, to unwind, to feel alright, to reward myself. I came home from work and Yuvi tells me this – “Shall we please watch a movie tonight? I just feel like it. Viswasam?” He is my son alright. Am I a good mother? I don’t know. We watched Viswasam, on Amazon Prime. There are some scenes that were a real treat. There weren’t a whole lot of them but I really liked those. Ajith is the George Clooney of Indian Cinema and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that nobody else can rock grey hair or an unfit body like he does. What I loved about the movie was how Ajith does all the right things, says all the right things and makes it look good. He has quit drinking and he beats up anybody else who dare drink when he doesn’t. He is wearing his helmet when he swerves and does his stylish bike wheeling, he wears his seat belt when he sits in the car, he smiles and brushed aside his wife’s reprimand saying that’s the world order. Ajith commands respect, but Vijay steals my heart and Jagan is waiting on the phone. I’ve got to go. So I’ll quickly share with you a lipsmacking recipe for Mee Goreng with you my dear readers. As you’d have it, I didn’t have kecap Manis, the key ingredient in Mee Goreng and most other Malaysian dishes. I am an Indian and I know there is a substitute for everything. So I made my own Kecap Manis. I simmered soy sauce, brown sugar and star anise till it reduced to a thick syrup and used that as Kecap Manis. Mee Goreng is a hot and sweet kinda noodle dish, bursting with flavours and packed with all the good stuff – eggs, chicken and your favourite veggies. Top with a fried egg to really take this Mee Goreng over the top. Hasini and Yuvan loved this Mee... Continue reading →

I hope your Deepavali preparations are going great. Whether it is making 3 types of sweets and 4 types of murukkus, whether it is buying all of this in stores and putting your feet up at home, whether it is shopping till you’re knocked out and colour-blind and squeezed thin, whether it is sleeping in to shut out the chaos, whether it is buying all the “sara-vedi” (Red fort electric crackers) that you can afford, whether it is about making plans to visit all the relatives or staying in to avoid all of them or whether it is about focusing all your energy into getting your hands on Sarkar tickets; whatever you’re doing, however you’re doing.. I hope you’re having a good time. The honourable supreme court has so thoughtfully provided the 2 hour window for bursting crackers. As a mark of respect for this landmark ruling, some friends plan to burst atleast one bijli every hour. Salute these great people. Now there are only 2 kinds of people – the ones who have tickets to Sarkar and the ones who don’t. I don’t. I hope those who’re watching this week can keep their spoilers to themselves for some time. Until l watch. Deepavali is definitely the time for good food and indulgence. Just remember to eat small portions, single helpings and to eat slowly. You won’t feel guilty later on and you won’t slip from the 100 days of healthy eating challenge. I’ll be making Mutton korma and idli too this Deepavali. I am just going to make sure to eat a small portion of it. If you’re looking for a healthy, yummy fried rice recipe look no further than this Nasi Goreng made with brown basmati rice, loads of veggies, sprouts for some added crunch and protein and an absolutely irresistible hot-sweet flavour blend. Brown basmati rice is nuttier and slightly chewier. It is shorter and stouter than regular white basmati rice but is just as flavourful. Brown rice packs more fibre and is a good alternative to regular white rice. You can substitute chicken with Tofu or paneer for a veggie version of Nasi Goreng. Nasi Goreng is hot and sweet and everything in between. It’s a complete meal in itself. Nasi Goreng is one of my very favourite dishes. This Nasi Goreng with brown basmatic rice is healthier and just as yummy. Try it. I am... Continue reading →

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Welcome to Foodbetterbegood!
I am Jayanthi. I love to cook. I am the one who lingers on at a function to have a word with the caterer to ask him for the vathal kuzhambu recipe. I amass recipes and I covet my knives.
I love a good story. I believe everyone does. If you love stories, if you love good food, you are at the right place.
You’ll see snatches of my writing, my DIY attempts and antique love in this space. You’ll see good food and simple recipes and plenty of stories. Foodbetterbegood is my diary.